SHREVEPORT, La. – Centenary College is sad to announce that Dennis Boddie ‘82, the public address announcer for Ladies and Gents basketball for more than three decades, passed away this past weekend.

Boddie, who entered Centenary as a freshman in 1977, quickly immersed himself into the college community. As a student, he was a DJ for the collegiate radio station. Starting in the fall of 1981, Boddie added PA for the Ladies basketball team to his resume. Just two years later, he also became the voice of the Gents.

In 2011, Centenary recognized Boddie during the season with a plaque to commemorate his 30th year as the public address announcer for the Ladies and Gents. In 2013, he received an Honorary Varsity Letter during the annual Homecoming festivities to honor him for his dedication and passion for Centenary athletics.

Other endeavors for Boddie include having worked for a local radio station, KVKI, as a DJ. At the time of his passing, he also worked as a weekend board operator at Alpha Media in Shreveport. For more than two decades, Boddie has served as the PA voice for the Independence Bowl in Shreveport.

Boddie was a huge fan of the Washington Redskins, former University of Houston, Houston Rockets and Washington Bullets star Elvin Hayes, and the Motown genre of music.

To help offset funeral expenses, a GoFundMe page has been set up in his memory.

What they are saying about Dennis Boddie:

Glenn Evans, Centenary soccer coach and fellow game day table worker

“Dennis had a perpetual smile on his face. I was his professor in one of his classes he took as a freshman in 1977, and I could tell from the start he was very out-going and a hard worker. I have known and worked with him for more than 40 years. Him being a Redskins fan and me being a diehard Cowboys fan, we had plenty of fun, verbal battles. Washington probably wrapped up the NFC East his past weekend because Dennis was up in heaven manipulating the outcome.”

Billy Kennedy, current Texas A&M and former Centenary (1997-99) Head Men’s Basketball Coach

“Dennis was loyal and committed to Centenary basketball. I’m thankful for the short time I had in my two years with him in the Gold Dome. He will surely be missed.”

Patrick Netherton, former Centenary Sports Information Director and Current radio voice of Northwestern State Basketball

“Dennis Boddie was everything you wanted in a radio DJ and a signature voice of an event. He had the smooth, rich voice to go along with an effortless delivery that made everyone listening think he was their best friend.

But personally, Dennis was one of the kindest, sweetest, gentlest people you'd ever want to meet. He always shared a kind word, asking how you were, interested in discussing your life, even when he was fighting to get back to full strength. He was literally one of the most caring souls I've ever had the privilege to know.

When we saw each other, we called each other ‘The Legend.’ Dennis truly earned that moniker.”

Adam Walsh, current Co-Interim Athletics Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Centenary

“Dennis has been an amazing part of my experience here as a Gent. He embodied what living like a Gent is truly all about – caring about others more than he cared about his self and living life full of joy. He loved his Gents, his Redskins, and his friends. Dennis’ smile could light up a room, and I will forever miss his pregame check-ins and questions about our shared “home” team in the Redskins. I will always have his voice in my head.